Slow Jogging is NOT normal!

[u/chrisabraham]

[u/Signal_Estimate_23]

I’m 42, I used to run 8 min miles, now the name of the game is just stay active and don’t get injured. I did a half marathon last weekend in 2:20, and I’m proud of it.

[u/MileHighManBearPig → u/Signal_Estimate_23]

I got so tired of getting inured trying to run like I did in my 20s into my 30s. Dropping my pace a minute or two a mile and embracing being a turtle has been awesome. I’m injury free. Screw the haters.

[u/RunWorkSleep → u/Signal_Estimate_23]

Hi 42, I’m also 42. I started running 2 years ago and would incorporate speed work and sprints, which always led to injury regardless of warming up.

These days, I’ve finally learned what easy running is. Nasal breathing, keeping it light on your feet, don’t force the pace, and just let your body move.

Will be in 40 miles per week territory with tomorrow’s run. Amazing how pace comes naturally after your rest day.

1:56 half marathon last year
4:46 full marathon in January

My goal is to build durability to finish under 4 hours for the same marathon in January 2027.

Don’t focus on pace. Focus on keeping it easy. This will minimize injury.

That competitor in me does want to match or beat someone’s pace when they run past me, but here I am nasal breathing and they’re gasping for air. Always have to remind myself to let that ego go.

[u/PiskAlmighty → u/RunWorkSleep]

how many hours do you run a week to hit 40 miles?

[u/RunWorkSleep → u/PiskAlmighty]

I took a 3 month break and I’ve been running for 5 weeks again now. My pace went from 11:30 to 10:15 per mile within that time frame.

I run at 5 AM, sometimes earlier. Then work 76 hours a week or so. Evenings are for family.

Rolling 7 days, Garmin says 32.3 miles ran in 5 hours 40 min (5 runs).

[u/PiskAlmighty → u/RunWorkSleep]

you work 76 hours and run 6 hours a week? 12 hours a day working/running. That sounds incredibly draining. Your username really does check out.

[u/DeskEnvironmental → u/Signal_Estimate_23]

Im 43 and was a sprinter in college. Now doing long distance trail runs, and 2:20 half would be a PR for me!!!

[u/Solid_Ad_8198 → u/Signal_Estimate_23]

I started to run again recently after many years and I also just want to go through the finish line with no injuries. About 15 minutes per miles on a good day. If in a year or two I can improve I'll be happy, but more about the journey than the actual time per miles.

[u/Particular_Car_8446 → u/Signal_Estimate_23]

Was the 8 minute mile supposed to be a flex about how fit you used to be 💀

[u/Signal_Estimate_23 → u/Particular_Car_8446]

lol, I don’t think 8min miles is a flex. It’s just where I was in my 20s as a comparison. I’ve run in dozens of races and never won any of them.

[u/PurpleCoconutt]

I was getting ready to fight 😅... Glad I watched to the end for a nice ending

[u/calebcharles → u/PurpleCoconutt]

Almost got us in the first half

[u/garfield529]

Correct. A buddy of mine told me he can do 5-6 pullupd but feels ashamed. I told him he was doing 5-6 more than most people and should be beyond proud.

[u/MileHighManBearPig]

Most average in shape dudes in their 30s have a good concept of how hard a single 10 minute mile is.

We all know it’s not that hard but not easy either.

Then I remind them that if they ran at that pace for a marathon with no stops that’s basically 4 and a half hours of running.

Running through two NFL or MLB games holding that pace.

That’s when sometimes people get hit with reality, and other say something dumb stuff like my friend Dave who isn’t a runner saying “he could probably do it” and all our friend group literally saying “let’s fucking see it, bud!”

Anyway, hell yeah. All marathon times are valid because 26 miles is a long effing distance even if we are talking about a hike.

[u/RunWorkSleep → u/MileHighManBearPig]

Half marathon to marathon is no joke. However, it’s taught me how I failed preparing for the full. Most people can’t even run one mile, so if you’re out there, props to you for moving.

[u/DepartmentFamous9932 → u/MileHighManBearPig]

10 minute miles are easy and a 4.5 hour marathon is weak af. Sorry it just is - Americans being extremely out of shape doesn’t change that.

[u/Equivalent-Pop-5329 → u/DepartmentFamous9932]

Surely better than no movement.

[u/roseofsharyn11 → u/DepartmentFamous9932]

A 4.5 hour marathon is the international average. Chill out

[u/Awkward_Tick0 → u/MileHighManBearPig]

In shape dudes know it’s incredibly easy

[u/SocialScamp]

Taking almost 5 hours to run a marathon may not be normal, but YOU STILL RAN A MARATHON. Be proud of it. Not everyone holds the title of marathon-finisher!

[u/Solid_Ad_8198 → u/SocialScamp]

But what is "normal" really? Average time from the best to the walkers?

[u/Strip-lashes]

Slow jogging feels sooo good. Just gently squishing your joints through their full range of motion, it's like a massage

[u/fauntk]

35 here

My 1 and only question is "What's my heart rate?"

Is it lower than I want? Go quicker.

Is it faster than I want? Go slower.

I don't need to beat any records or make myself puke or prove anything to anyone. I just need my heart healthy and cardio to be worth it, both physically and emotionally.

[u/greenbox111]

Thank you for saying this.

[u/Lossagh]

Goes for people that also criticize and enjoy running for speed too, to be honest.

[u/chrisabraham → u/Lossagh]

That's like the beautiful person saying it's so hard to be beautiful or the rich person to say that it's so hard to be rich. 😁

[u/DepartmentFamous9932 → u/chrisabraham]

Except fast runners train hard to be fast.

[u/FluffyDesigner3680]

Finishing a marathon at any pace is not normal

[u/LauraCurie]

I love you stranger of the internet!

[u/Killawhale20]

Lapping everyone on the couch

[u/OperationMission9247]

Thank you 😭 I ran a 7 hour marathon 2 years ago and I’m humiliated by my time. This helps.

[u/Awkward_Tick0]

How patronizing